Senior Security Officer in UNOPS

Together, we build the future UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. We are proud of our people. The UNOPS family brings together approximately 160 nationalities, represented by over 5,000 UNOPS personnel as well as some 7,800 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners. Spread across 80 countries, our workforce is rich in diversity and culture – with inclusion at its core. We understand the importance of balancing professional and personal demands and offer several flexible working options.

Role Purpose

The primary purpose of the Senior Security Officer is to enable the safe and resilient delivery of UNOPS programs across Ukraine. This is achieved by leading a decentralized security team and implementing a robust, risk-based security framework that protects personnel, assets, and the integrity of projects in a highly volatile landscape.

Functions / Key Results Expected

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Advisory and technical
• Operations
• Personnel Capacity on Safety and Security
• Team management
• Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing

1. Advisory and Technical

• Maintain awareness of the changes in the security environment, timely reacting and advising the Country Director, office management team, and all Project Managers on all safety and security-related matters, including the potential impact on the planning and implementation of projects.
• In line with the UN Security Management System methodology, policies, and procedures, draft , as required, security risk assessments outlining threats and risks to personnel, operations and assets and recommended risk management strategies and security measures.
• Provide technical advisory and oversight services to ensure that safety and security is a core component of all programmes at the duty station and field sites and that appropriate funding is provided based on actual needs.

2. Operations

• Review all new project proposals from a security perspective and provide comments and proposals to ensure security concerns are addressed. Conduct field assessments during the establishment of projects and during project implementation.
• Ensure implementation of all security policies, protocols and procedures
• Propose and manage the budget for the security function and monitor expenses.
• Collect and analyze data to support proposals for improvements (e.g. in the domain of operations; security , physical security.
• Draft and regularly update the Security Plan and its annexes.
• Revise and update the office Business Continuity Plan from a Security and Safety perspective.
• Maintain an up-to-date database of personnel and their dependents, information and related to UNOPS offices, residences, project sites, focal points, and the warden system for the implementation of the office/operation’s security plan.
  

Skills

Security, Security Awareness, Security Information and Event Management, Security Management, Security Operations, Security Training.

Education Requirements

• An advanced university degree in Security Management, Political or Social Sciences, Law, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience Requirements

• A minimum of 2 (two) years of progressively responsible experience in security risk management is required.
• Experience with the United Nations Security Management System is a strong advantage.
• Demonstrated experience in producing Standing Operating Procedures/Security Risk Assessments/Security Plans per United Nations Security Management System

Language Requirements

• English, Fluent
• Ukrainian, Fluent.

Opportunities for learning and growth

• Commitment to Excellence: Our support extends to all personnel at every level of the organization.
• Ongoing Development: We provide ongoing opportunities to help our people learn, develop, and excel at their jobs.
• State-of-the-Art Learning: Access a wide range of learning through our blended learning programmes, covering Leadership development and Personal and professional development.
• Key Credentials: Opportunities to benefit from Internationally recognized technical certifications and Membership to professional associations in various areas.
• Internal Culture: We foster an environment that encourages and supports knowledge sharing and collaboration.